It is officially Climate Week, yet amidst national uncertainty and discord, progress can feel impossible. But away from global summits, our small cities are where practical progress continues every single day – because tangible action is critical to protect the health, safety, and future of residents. 

Parks are at the heart of these efforts.  

And the reconnection of cities, where the majority of our population lives, with nature is essential now.

Yes, a single mature tree can absorb hundreds of gallons of rainwater per day, preventing runoff. But it also creates an inviting shady respite. A rain garden helps absorb storm surges, easing pressure on city sewers. But it can also be where a child sees their first butterfly. Permeable pavements reduce the risk of flash floods but can also create a plaza where neighbors gather. A spray feature provides relief from increasingly hotter days, but it is also where kids leave their phones aside to play together. A dense patch of green dramatically cools the surrounding areas while also stimulating economic investment and civic pride. 

NCP is committed to urban parks for what they give us today and how they improve our future. The park solution is transformative. It is scalable. It is sensible. And it invites joy.  

And joy is something we all need… every single week. 

New boat launch under construction at Westside Park in Paterson, NJ

In Paterson, NJ, 26.6-acre Westside Park is really taking shape. New pedestrian paths and playing fields are well underway to be ready for next spring’s sports season. Soon construction on the new kayak launch will be complete, providing recreational access to the Passaic River. And within the next 4-6 weeks, 225 trees will be planted to settle in and put down roots over the winter. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now. 

A new playground is installed in Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Park in Buffalo, NY

In Buffalo, NY, steady progress is being made on Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Park. What once was a flat, sparsely seeded lawn with no shade trees or seating, will soon be transformed into a vibrant space to play, learn, and relax for local residents and children. This latest NCP project is a collaboration with Westminster Community Charter School, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, and M&T Bank, and is scheduled to open to the public before the end of 2025.

From basketball leagues to music, arts and crafts, and mental health resources, this year’s Mini-Grant awardees brought communities together in Poughkeepsie, NY and Paterson, NJ. Below are highlights of some of the amazing events that took place this summer.

This summer, NCP engaged two community ambassadors to welcome visitors to Malcolm X and Pershing Avenue Parks in Poughkeepsie, NY. In the second year of this successful program, NCP’s ambassadors were responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and informative space within the parks.  

Charlene Bennerman reflected on her first experience serving as Malcolm X’s Community Ambassador this summer: “I truly enjoyed connecting with the community, meeting people from all walks of life, and providing resources to those in need. I was especially fulfilled by seeing the youth get involved in activities they enjoyed and by witnessing the powerful community connections that were formed. Their enthusiasm reminded me of why I'm motivated to serve. The relationships I built with our community delegates and the local police officers who volunteered their time were especially valuable and gave me a new perspective.” 

Left: Charlene Brennerman at an event in Malcolm X Park. Right: Anthony Elting in Pershing Ave Park.

Over in Pershing Avenue Park, returning ambassador Anthony Elting was inspired to join the program for another summer at the park where he grew up playing basketball: “What motivated me is pretty simple. I enjoy trying to help others. So having this program helps me do that. Also, it's a great opportunity for the community to try and get back to using what the city offers.”  

NCP is proud to work with these two amazing community members who served their city this summer by welcoming and encouraging people to reconnect with their local parks. Thank you for all you do!  

This program was made possible with the invaluable community support and partnership of People USA and Scenic Hudson. 

While members of the NCP team are in our cities regularly, creating an opportunity for the full staff, board, and members of our advisory council to really dig deeply into a place, and with each other, yields multiple rewards for all our work.  

Members of NCP's Board, Advisory Council, and staff with local Mount Vernon partners in Brush Park.

Last week, during a special day in Mount Vernon, NY, we did just that. Everyone had the chance to meet with the community, hear from leaders, and visit all four NCP park projects to learn more about them and their needs and opportunities. Our plans there reflect the full range of our model ranging from a small playground to a 9-acre park of citywide importance. When complete, NCP-improved parks will bring over 175 more trees and raingardens to collect 384,000 cubic feet of rainwater, integrated with needed recreation – a great backdrop for discussions regarding the future of NCP.  

Thank you to the City of Mount Vernon and its Doles Recreation Center for welcoming our group with open arms. We left feeling energized to continue our work in Mount Vernon -- and across our portfolio to bring parks to the communities that need them most!